James Jim E. Kiger

James E. Kiger age 71 of Waynesburg died Saturday, June 23, 2012 in Virginia Beach, VA, while on vacation.

He was born September 3, 1940 near Holbrook a son of the late Mercedes Morris Kiger Wageley and Albert J. Kiger.

Mr. Kiger retired from the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service. He participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He was stationed at various bases around the world, earning the Naval Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Medal and 4 Good Conduct Awards.

After his military retirement he worked 20 years for the County of Greene with the 911 Emergency system, retiring in 1999.

Mr. Kiger was a Life Member of V.F.W. Post 4793 of Waynesburg and a member of American Legion Post 330 of Waynesburg. He served as a past Senior Vice-Commander and Post Quartermaster of the V.F.W.

He was an avid golfer and was especially proud of the two holes-in-one. He enjoyed playing cards, visiting with family, and the family vacations. Mr. Kiger was Protestant by faith.

Surviving are his wife of 20 years, Susan M. Gilbert-Kiger, whom he married October 12, 1991; from a previous marriage, two daughters, Cynthia R. Kincer (Timothy) of Portsmouth, VA and Laura M. Moore (David) of Waynesburg; a son James A. Kiger (Joy) of Starksville, MS; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer Whitsett, twins Amber and Heather Whitsett, Dawn and Josh Moore, and Kaitlyn and Hunter Kiger; 3 great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Haydan, and Braylen; a sister, Annabelle Shuntich (Peter) of Girard, OH; a brother, Jerry Kiger (Nancy) of Lexington Park, MD; two sisters-in-law, Wilda Kiger of Waynesburg and Jean Kiger of Mineral Ridge, OH; several nieces and nephews, a special cousin Sandi Richards of Waynesburg and two very special honorary granddaughters, D’Andrea and Paige Smith of Washington.

Deceased in addition to his mother and father are triplet brothers, who died in infancy and two brothers, Albert Roland Kiger and Charles Duane Kiger.

Family and friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and from 10:30 am to 11:00 a.m., the hour of services, on Friday, June 29, 2012 in the Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg with Pastor Robert Mooney Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Oakmont Cemetery, Waynesburg. Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion, the V.F.W, and the United States Navy.

FUNERAL SERVICE:

The funeral viewing and service was located at the Behm Funeral home in Waynesburg Pennsylvania. The funeral service was conducted by Pastor Robert (Bob) Mooney of the Pursley Baptist Church of Oak Forest Pennsylvania. Pastor Bob told stories of Jim enjoying life and being a dedicated family man. He told stories involving the blue station wagon on early vacations with the children. He reminded everyone that Jim believed family was the most important thing in life and enjoying family should be everyone's goal.

Music that Jim had previously selected played during the service. The selections were "Amazing Grace" by Susan Boyle, "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood, "Danny Boy," "I Will Meet You on the Other Side" by Michael Combs and "Amazing Grace" played on bagpipes.

Bibles were presented to the family by the Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 4793 and American Legion Post 330 both of Waynesburg, PA.

The graveside service that Jim had requested was a military service. The service at the graveside was conducted by the United States Navy, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4793 and the American Legion Post 330 both of Waynesburg, PA. The United States flag was presented to his wife, Susan.

FUNERAL SERVICE READERS:

Amber Whitsett, Granddaughter of James E. Kiger wrote and read the following:

" 'whatever you do, hold on to hope. The tiniest thread will twist into an unbreakable cord. Let hope anchor you in the possibility that this is not the end of your story, the change will bring you to peaceful shores'

One of the greatest lessons I've learned came from my Pap. He's always told me "live your life, be happy".

The older I became – I understood what he meant more and more. I grasp the concept of letting the little things go – and not taking things for granted that have brought me happiness. Not just tangible things – but people, relationships, strong bonds between one person and another – these things are what make us who we are today.

I remember all of us grandkids on our family vacations, walking on the beach – looking for seashells – being so excited about what we'd found. We'd run up to our parents, and our Pap & Nanny Sue – showing them the next awesome shell we had found. Over and over again – all five of us girls showing him every single shell – but he looked at them all – said "cool!", "that's beautiful!" "great job!" I'm still not sure if that ever got old to him.

I knew Pap was struggling for a long time with cancer. I don't think it hit me until his surgery. Looking back – it didn't hit me until after we finally got to see him in recovery. It's so strange knowing that he was okay but also feeling so heartbroken that I'd never get to hear his voice again. I'd never hear his natural words telling me he was proud of me, telling me to just be happy, telling me he loved me. I was so angry at myself for not taking the time to cherish something so natural in all of our lives – something we would never think about until it's gone. These things – these little pieces of his life, no matter how small – are so important to me now.

My Pap gave each and everyone of his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, something before he left. Something small, nothing extravagant or flashy. I figurine, a seashell, or his father's tie clip that had been turned into a pendant. His last gift was something of his - passed on to us. Something we will cherish forever.

But I think the greatest most inspirational gift of all – was family. Love them, hold them close. If you get angry at each other – get over it. You never know when your last chance will be to say "I'm sorry", "I forgive you", "I love you".

To Nanny Sue – you have been an absolutely amazing part of this family since before I can remember. The time, patience, care and concern that you've given goes beyond measure. To you I said thank you – for making sure we had just enough time, that he was comfortable as possible and that he got to see the ocean and all its glory one last time. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you and we love you so much.

To Pap - I love you and miss you so much. I promise to live as you've taught me – into cherish the things that make me happy. My beautiful mother, my wonderful stepfather, my sisters, uncles, aunts and cousins – I have them all partly because of you. I know you're up there – please watch over us all. I love you

I miss him more and more every passing day. I love my Pap very much - he was a wonderful man.

Cindy Brewer, Susan's Aunt Cin:

I asked if I could speak today because I wanted to say a few words about Jim and I also have a passage I'd like to share with you.

Jim entered my life when he started dating Susan. I immediately liked him and grew to love him. He was the consummate charming gentleman. One thing that I loved about Jim was the way he treated my husband, Garry. Now, I know that some of you who knew Garry will find this hard to believe, but back when he first knew Jim, Garry was painfully shy. Unless he knew someone very well, it was hard for him to piece together enough words to have a conversation. Jim immediately put him at ease. They bonded over their love of sports and card games. When we were in Alaska, they kept two games going at all times. One was just Jim and Garry. The other was the four of us. When either game was interrupted, they just kept the scores in their heads and we resumed when there was time. They were quite the pair. Garry thought the world of him.

Another thing that endeared Jim to me was his fierce love for his children. Susan told me that when they were first married, he told her that nothing would ever come between him and his children. He said he loved her but he loved his children even more. To some this may sound harsh, but I think you have to admire a man who loves his children that much.

Now, I've said some sweet things about Jim so I think it's time to add some spice. All of you who knew Jim are aware that he was an agitator. I always said that just when things were settling down and didn't stink anymore, Jim would get a big long stick. He'd stand really far back so none of the smell got on him and then he would stir the pot.

I remember one time when I was not talking to Garry. I was not mad at him. It was just that he was working steady midnight shift and he was a bear. I figured if I didn't say anything, maybe I wouldn't say the wrong thing. I answered him if he asked me a question and I would have said something if he was about to step out into traffic, but I did not initiate any conversation. I was explaining this to Susan and Jim heard me. He couldn't wait to ask Garry if he'd noticed that I'd been awfully quiet lately. Thanks to Jim bringing it to light, we worked out the problem. I guess I should have thanked him but I didn't.

Now, I'd like to share a selection called "A Parable of Immortality" by Henry Van Dyke. It tells of a ship carrying a freight of human souls. You know that Jim was an old Navy man (and I use the term "old" as an endearment.) What better way to think of an old Navy man than as a passenger on a tall ship sailing into the horizon.

A Parable of Immortality:

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says, "She is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in her mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone at my side says, "She is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

Good bye, Jim. We will miss you.

BIOGRAPHY:

Let's spend a short time telling you about the life of James E. Kiger.

Jim was raised on a hill near Holbrook, PA. He and his siblings, Annabelle, (Albert) Roland, (Charles) Duane and Jerry walked down to the Falling Timber Road to go to school. He had many stories about teachers and fellow students. He would speak about Jerry and him walking to school and some days skipping school. One year he skipped so much school that he couldn't pass the tests given that year. However, Jerry who skipped with him was able to pass his tests. Jim laughed and complained about this his entire life.

He had fond memories of working the Kiger farm and also working on his Grandparents' farm.

He spoke often about spending all day hoeing the corn and then when his dad came home from work, the boys would have to hoe the corn again. He and all the Kigers worked hard on the farm but it built the foundation for his life. He worked hard and played hard his entire life. He had stories about getting hurt because the boys played so hard, also about pranks they pulled on the neighbors.

Jim was the baby of the family and saw all his brothers enlist into the military and saw his sister go to Washington, DC to work for the government. He chose a branch no brother had joined, the US Navy. So after graduation, he went into the US Navy and stayed there until his full retirement in 1978. While in the US Navy, he married Carolyn G. Tharp of Greene County, PA. He considered himself lucky that he was able to travel the world. He did a variety of jobs at many different clearance levels in the Navy. Jim had many different stations in his career, Alaska, Germany, Maryland, Iceland and Japan just to name a few. He was proudest to be involved in Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and serve his country. The adventures he had with his family and friends in Iceland he spoke about till his death. He was a Navy man through and through but he was a quiet patriot. He stated his views quietly and mainly listened to other people and let them speak. Jim and Carolyn had three children who were able to see many different places while they were young. Their oldest daughter, Cynthia was born in Virginia, Laura was born in Maryland and James was born in Japan. Jim and his family traveled together while he was in the Navy and that was not an easy feat in those years. The Navy did not always make it easy to bring your family. Jim was able to retire in 1978 with a 20 year pension. He also considered himself lucky that he could retire and collect a pension immediately.

After retiring from the Navy, he and Carolyn bought a house in Pine Bank, PA to raise the children. Jim was able to get a job as a dispatcher for the 911 center in Greene County. He always said he was the token non-political hire that year because he didn't know anyone who worked for the county. He worked hard for the county and truly cared about the people he was serving. He sent help to a caller because he cared not just because it was his job. Jim did have a temper and if the co-workers would talk too loud while he was on the phone, a pencil or tablet may have been thrown at them. He enjoyed most of the people he worked with. He enjoyed have drinks with them too.

Jim and Carolyn decided to end their marriage in 1985. He stayed at the house in Pine Bank and in the next few years the coal mine would mine under the house causing some major structural damage. One evening he opened his closet door and was able to see outside. Eventually, Jim sold the house to people who have since repaired all the damage and have a very nice home.

Jim enjoyed visiting with his family. Many nights Laura and Dave, Laura's husband, would stop at Jim's house and have dinner with him. Basically, Laura and Dave would buy the food and cook it and then they all would eat. Jim took pride in the wood floors at his house so much that he would make the floors so shiny that you would slide not walk on them. Many days he would fall because they were too slick or so he blamed it on them being slick....... He didn't have a TV at the house. He had sold it. He only had a radio and on that radio he would listen to every Pittsburgh Pirate game he could. He had always been able to listen to a game and remember who was on what base, the number of outs, the number of strikes, etc. He pictured the game in his mind. He was a loyal Pirate fan whether it was listen to the World Series aboard a ship or listening to them from work or from his house. He loved the Pirates win or lose, good players or bad, television or radio.

Jim also became a NASCAR fan, well not really. His mother, Mercedes Kiger Wageley was a big NASCAR fan so Jim would watch a race so he could talk to his mom about the drivers. He enjoyed their discussions and visits.

Jim's mind was able to imagine everything. His imagination made him enjoy books to their fullest. He was always reading and even had just finished a book two days prior to his death. He simply loved to read. He even had started reading books electronically but still enjoyed paperback books too.

In 1988 Jim started dating Susan Gilbert. He was very self conscious of the age difference between him and Susan (25 and a half years.) He always said he would not have known what to say if one of his kids had dated someone with that age difference. To impress Jim, while they dated, Susan even drank beer which she hated. Since Jim and Susan worked together, they tried to keep the news that they were dating from the rest of the office. However, the office was like renting a billboard. You told one person and everyone knew. Well, the supervisor was in the room one evening when the janitor, who happened to be a deaf mute person started pointing at their names on the roster back and forth and kept pointing until management figured out what he was meaning and that is how the office learned of the dating.

One of Jim's best friends was John Dulaney, Susan's Uncle, and when Jim starting dating Susan, John would tease him horribly. John would say things like: When you meet Susan's dad, he will show you "how to start a chain saw," or Susan's dad "will take care of you Jim." Needless to say, when Jim went to meet the parents, he was scared to death. Susan's parents had private conversations prior to his arrival and Susan's mom had explained to Susan's dad that he needed to keep an open mind. So when Jim got to the house, the first thing he talked about to the parents was the big snow of 1951 and after that conversation everything went smooth. Jim loved his in-laws and they loved him. He was a great son-in-law to them but a better friend.

In 1991 when he married Susan they rented an A-frame house in Waynesburg, PA. It was small but very nice. They both continued working at the 911 center. Jim eventually became the 911 Supervisor and Susan reminded him that he was her supervisor at work only. Later Jim's title was changed to 911 Director and Susan went on to a different employer. Jim took pride in the 911 Center, whether it was the surprise test he gave his employees or the new equipment the center was receiving. He was happy to have stayed and worked for Greene County for 20 years.

One of Jim's most enjoyable adventures was the Kiger Family Vacations that started in 1992. Whether it was playing with the kids and grandkids and later the great-grandkids or just watching them play on the beach, he enjoyed it to the fullest. He would swim with them in the ocean or sit under the umbrella. He would play cards and cards and more cards. He always took pride when he went to the restaurant with the family at the beach that this was his family and he was proud of every one of them. He told stories over and over of what happened on this vacation or that vacation. He also thoroughly enjoyed the Kiger Reunions that he was able to go to. He enjoyed the golf matches and the horse's butt trophy and the one year that Melanie joined them. Every time he went to a reunion, he would look at us with pride and say, "We have come a long way. We have a good family."

After Jim retired from Greene County he became an officer at the VFW and went there every day and worked. Yes worked and played some too. He took pride in that job. Every time the VFW got flooded he was down there helping clean the place. He worked with the VFW to keep it going. He learned the rules that governed the gaming as well as the club part of the VFW. He had lifelong friends through the VFW. They were family too. In addition to the VFW, golf was the second part of each day after retirement. He would do the bank run for the VFW at 9am everyday and then he would meet someone at Rohanna's Golf Course to play at least 18 holes everyday. He tried to get the most out of everyday. During some summers, Jim would babysit two of his grandkids but so that he could still golf, he would have Susan's aunt and mom watch them for a few hours. This worked out well because Susan's family enjoyed the kids and Jim was able to keep golfing and be with the grandkids too. He logged each day he played golf and the score. He would then look back on the previous week or month to compare his score. He did improve but as he said, if you played five days a week you should improve. He took weekends off from golf but weekdays he was there.

He was an officer at the VFW until he went to DC with Susan in 2004.

In 2004 he traveled to DC when Susan's job transfered her there. He was happy to try a new place. He said he was a professional tourist. He would ride the metro at least 3 days a week and go to museums. He would look at monuments or just go to the National Zoo. The National Archives was his favorite. He was so excited when he saw the Declaration of Independence. He would go to the National Christmas Tree each Christmas and just enjoy the decorations. He and Susan made many memories in the two years they were in DC. He especially liked playing cards on New Year's Day at Jerry and Nancy's house. He liked it when family and friends came to visit the apartment and he could show them around the area.

He returned to Waynesburg in 2006 when Susan got transfered back home. Yes, he started golfing everyday again. He loved the sport and would time it so that he could golf, then stay at the VFW "socializing" and be ready to be picked up by Susan on her way home.

In June 2009 just days before the Kiger Vacation he was diagnosed with throat cancer. That vacation was so very special to him because he didn't know what the future would bring to him. He had two new great grand-children join him that year. For the next three years, he took every treatment the doctors suggested, even really strange ones. He had every side affect possible. The doctors would say that in rare cases there is this type of side affect but we know that won't happen to you, and it usually did. He handled every hurdle with a smile and a thank you to the doctor or nurse. I will say there were times when he would speak his opinion to the nurse and they understood he was not happy with what they had just done. One time he threw an object into the hallway to get a nurse's attention. Even when they removed his voice box, he then started using a full keyboard on his phone to text everyone. He adjusted to everything. He used a tablet to talk both electronic and paper. In other words Jim stayed in his life till the end. He would get mad or happy and shared both through his texting/typing/writing.

Even the last day of Jim's life was like all the other days. It was an adventure. He had insisted on seeing the ocean one last time. So a Virginia Beach vacation with friends was planned. He did get to see the ocean and he wanted to know if the Pirates had won. They had won and he gave the thumbs up.

Jim enjoyed hanging out with friends, whether it was at the Waynesburg VFW, Waynesburg Legion or at someone's house playing cards or just sitting and talking. He enjoyed his family.

Jim was so proud of his entire family whether it was children, grand-children, great grand-children, sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, in-law family or friends.

There are so many stories that could be written about Jim and you have your stories and memories. Enjoy the memories you have of Jim, Dad, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, or Friend.

Jim's family was important to him, but family to him was friends and family. It made no difference to him if you were related to him by blood or not. You were family to him.

Jim you will always be loved and missed, Goodbye.